Mavericks sign Magloire as backup center to replace Diop

Published 6:00 pm, Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Dallas Mavericks signed free agent Jamaal Magloire to add depth at center that's been missing since DeSagana Diop went to New Jersey in the trade for Jason Kidd.

Magloire should be available for practice Wednesday and could play as early as Thursday when Dallas visits San Antonio.

"We were concerned about our backup center spot after the trade and this will provide us some much needed depth," said Donnie Nelson, the president of basketball operations.

The 6-foot-11 center was waived by the Nets on Friday and cleared waivers Tuesday.

Magloire, 29, played less than 11 minutes per game this season with the Nets. In eight seasons, he's averaged 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. In 2005-06 in Milwaukee, his last season as a regular starter, he averaged 9.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.